Annual Christmas Tree Cutting

On Sunday, the boys and I joined my parents for the annual Christmas tree cutting. This year was a little different because we had a few more people to share the day with, Michal and Jesko. Emily came too. I must say that this year was a little different also because my mom wasn't looking for the tallest, fullest tree among them. She scaled back some and I think the boys were thankful when it came time to carry the thing to the car. My boys were sad because we couldn't stay all day and sled ride in the perfect sledding snow. However, they were thankful they were able to help cut the tree. They always have a blast!

Lucas has the right idea...pick the tree closest to the car!

However, he was outnumbered as every fanned out to find "the tree"!

Finally the tree was found, a little shorter and a little thinner than last

year's gigantic one.

Jesko assisted the boys in holding up the lower branches

so that they could get to the trunk with the saw.

Papa Bud had to offer a little assistance to get the cut started.

Papa Bud, Hayden, and Tanner really got into the cutting part!

And the tree is down!

Tanner, Michal, Hayden, Emily, Lucas, Jesko, and JJ

proudly stand by this year's tree!

Tanner decided that dragging/carrying the tree to the car

was right up his alley. However, he and Hayden soon learned

that it takes more muscle than they have at this point!

Hayden is apparently the tour guide...

I think he almost got run over by the tree several times!!

Jesko and Michal finish out strong as they finally approach the car.


JJ is now guiding on the proper loading technique!


Lift with your knees guys!!

We left my parent's house with Michal and my dad still outside "trimming" the tree so that it was just right when it got inside. We weren't far down the road before my mom called.

"Tell the boys they picked a crooked tree."

"What?"

"Tell the boys that they need to pick better next year. This one's crooked."

"Oh, just tell dad to saw the trunk on an angle and then it will sit straight in the base."

"Oh, he's already doing that. Just thought they'd get a good laugh out of it!"

I swear the tree was standing straight when we found it. Or maybe it was on the side a slight hill?!? Who knows. The boys are proud of their tree and they stand by their choice!!